Question for all of you about fasting....

[alina]

Hi Everyone :)

Every year Muslims fast during one month from sunrise to sunset....we cannot eat or drink anything during that time....I used to be able to do it and be fine, but now, after being diagnosed with IC, I did the fast for about two days and had horrible pain in my bladder and vagina...I am taking a few days off from fasting and am feeling better, especially because I am able to drink plenty of fluids...My question to you all is, is it very bad for the bladder of you dont have any food or drink for a few hours in a row? Are you more prone to infection? We are not supposed to fast if we are ill in any way but I am so upset that I cant join in this special religious fast with the rest of my family and friends...Should I keep trying or will I be okay one day and then have pain the next? I didnt realize that drinking lots of water is so important for the bladder, I actually thought drinking too much will worsen IC ?symptoms...Any thoughts?? Thanks so much in advance and I am praying for all of you whole-heartedly!

[ICNDonna]

It is important to get six to eight cups of water a day; otherwise the urine becomes concentrated and will cause more pain. If you're able to eat before sunrise and after sunset, and if you can drink water, I'm thinking you may be able to participate with your family. I do think having your before sunrise meal a high protein one (maybe include eggs) could help you through the day.

Good luck.

Warm hugs,
Donna

[alina]

Thanks Donna!

Thats the thing, I will not be able to drink water either from sunrise to sunset..if I were able to, I think I would be okay...and during the day when Im working I get SO thirsty that its painful....Ill try a day or two again and see how I feel....Thanks again!:pray:

[sasi]

Not drinking water is really bad for your bladder, but not eating does not impact it.

So in my home country (Turkey), smiths and other professions that work with intense heat fast during Ramadan, BUT they still drink as much water as they need because otherwise they would faint from dehydration. This is approved by the religious experts as a valid fast. Also, people with disabilities can do praying (namaz) without getting up and kneeling, that, too is OK. Islam accomodates disabilities. I'm sure most religions do. You do not have to stop fasting altogether and miss out on wonderful iftar (breaking fast) feeling. So, I think you can still fast with one exception-keep drinking water. You have to remember that, Islam holds individuals responsible for taking care of their bodies and makes it an utmost pritority and absolves you from fasting if you are not healthy enough. If you have any qualms about my suggestion, I suggest you contact a good scholar and take their opinion on fasting with water. Although this is standard in my country for certain professions, you might be adhering to a different tradition of Islam, so I would not want to misguide you.

You may find that this kind of fasting is actually soothing for your bladder.

[ICNDonna]

If you get up to go to the bathroom in the night, you could drink a glass of water then --- and with your last before sunrise meal, try to get at least a full glass of water. You might be able to make it that way. Once when I was not allowed food or drink before surgery and the surgery was delayed for many hours, they let me rinse my mouth with water. Maybe you could do that if you get horribly thirsty? It shouldn't make a lot of difference when you drink as long as you're getting enough.

Donna

[sasi]

My urologist stressed that it is very important when you get your water. You should never go without drinking water for more than 2 hours. Ideally, you should take a sip or two every 10 minutes. I realize that is not realistic, but drinking often is not the same as drinking a lot all at once.

[alina]

Thank you both for your suggestions! I am goin to ask a scholar about the fasting with drinking water concept.....our concept is pretty strict...and the thing is i used to drink literally two bottles of water all at once in the morning, but I still had pain during the day and even got a UTI even though I wasnt even sexually active! (usually I get a UTI after intercourse, never otherwise)...so I will take everything you guys said into account...that is so interesting that in Turkey they have adjusted it so that people doing heavy labor can fast....thats wonderful!!